West Indies vs Scotland T20 World Cup preview: Holder, Hetmyer in focus as WI starts campaign
Daren Sammy, who captained West Indies to its last World Cup title at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata a decade ago, will be keen to relive the feat as coach when the two-time champion begins its T20 World Cup campaign against last-minute entrant Scotland in a Group C match in Kolkata on Saturday.
West Indies, stacked with T20 professionals who ply their trade across leagues worldwide, has picked an experienced and well-balanced squad. It includes two 2016 World Cup winners in wicketkeeper-batter Johnson Charles and all-rounder Jason Holder, and 10 players from the 2024 edition.
Skipper Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Brandon King and Sherfane Rutherford provide the muscle in the Caribbean batting line-up.
Matthew Forde, Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales lead the pace attack alongside Holder and Romario Shepherd, while Roston Chase, Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie offer variety in spin.
With several members boasting extensive Indian Premier League exposure, West Indies will back itself to adapt quickly to local conditions.
Beating the odds
Bangladesh’s withdrawal has handed Scotland an unexpected route into its second consecutive World Cup. The Richie Berrington-led side has retained a majority of the squad that narrowly missed out on a Super Eight berth two years ago.
Scotland’s preparation, however, has been far from ideal. Following a rushed flight to India, its players sought inputs on conditions from Afghanistan internationals during a practice match in Bengaluru.
Young Afghan-born pacer Zainullah Ihsan is an exciting addition to the Scottish attack, which also features speedsters Brad Currie, Safyaan Sharif and Brad Wheal, alongside seasoned spinners Chris Greaves and Mark Watt.
Berrington, Tom Bruce, Matthew Cross and Michael Jones headline the batting, while all-rounders Michael Leask and Brandon McMullen add depth.
Having won its only T20 World Cup meeting against West Indies in 2022, Scotland will hope to cling to that edge, even if the odds are firmly stacked against it.
Published on Feb 06, 2026
